UNESCAP eNews Bulletin

     United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific

May 2003
 

 

 

 


Delegates at UNESCAP’s 59th Commission Session praise reform efforts, reduced publications

Delegates to the first phase of the 59th annual Commission Session welcomed UNESCAP's ongoing revitalization efforts. Bangkok-based ambassadors and senior officials considered programme changes at UNESCAP for 2003 and the programme of work for the biennium 2004-2005. “The new work programme uses a results-based framework with emphasis on the achievement of the desired outputs. We have sharpened the focus of the programme of work to achieve greater impact,” said Mr. Kim Hak-Su, Executive Secretary of UNESCAP. Among initiatives noted by participants was a 47% reduction of UNESCAP publications. Citing the “exceedingly inauspicious global and regional situation,” UNESCAP took the unprecedented step of holding its annual meeting in two phases. The first phase was held from 24-25 April; phase two, which includes a ministerial segment, will be held at a future date. v

 

Timor-Leste becomes 62nd member of UNESCAP

Timor-Leste or East Timor came one step closer to becoming the newest full member of UNESCAP when its membership application was unanimously accepted by acclamation at the first phase of the 59th Commission Session. Full membership status will be accorded to the fledging country in July once the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) adopts a draft resolution endorsed by the Commission. Timor-Leste became the 191st member of the United Nations last September, following its independence from Indonesia in May 2001. v

 

UN officials, media to examine lessons learnt from Asia’s emerging health crises at launch of HIV/AIDS study on 8 May

UNESCAP will launch three new publications that help governments respond better to the HIV/AIDS pandemic in their countries. Mr. Kim Hak-Su, UNESCAP Executive Secretary, will present the troika to the media at 10.30 hrs on 8 May in the UN Conference Centre, Bangkok. The launch will be followed by a discussion among experts from UNESCAP, UNAIDS, WHO and the media on Asia’s emerging health crises, the lessons learnt and the response required to prevent similar crises in future. The central publication in the compendium is an in-depth study of the status and ramifications of the HIV/AIDS pandemic for the entire UNESCAP region that was prepared for the 59th Commission Session. Two companion volumes include an action guide which encourages governments and suggests ways to implement a multi-ministerial response to the pandemic, and a volume of stories from the community or case studies of successful government, private and community intervention to help prevent the spread of the disease To learn more about UNESCAP’s HIV/AIDS’s programme, please visit its Health and Development Section. v

 

UNESCAP co-hosts benefit performance for HIV/AIDS orphans

UNESCAP and Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit Hotel in Bangkok will host a one-man theatrical performance to benefit HIV/AIDS orphans. Noted actor Brian D. Barnes will present a matinee performance of Kenneth Grahame’s classic “The Wind in the Willows” on 25 May. “HIV/AIDS is an extremely urgent important issue in the region and we are happy to be associated with this very timely event,” said UNESCAP Executive Secretary Kim Hak-Su. All proceeds from the event will go to the Kevorkian Foundation (Baan Nor Giank) which cares for HIV-positive children. Known as the “jet setting minstrel,” Brian D. Barnes has performed in more than 80 countries and is heard regularly on the BBC World Service. Tickets, which are Baht 700 for the performance or Baht 1,500 inclusive of Sunday Jazzy Brunch, are available directly from the hotel. v

 

Two Koreas, Mongolia and Russia adopt Vladivostok Statement

Senior officials from the two Koreas, Mongolia and the Russian Federation have adopted the Vladivostok Statement, which outlines a shared vision and common concerns for effectively addressing energy shortages and improving energy security in North-East Asia. At a meeting organized by UNESCAP in Vladivostok, Russian Federation, from 8-10 April 2003, participants agreed to review opportunities for inter-country cooperation in energy infrastructure rehabilitation and development, and future energy and electricity trade. The Republic of Korea and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea both attended the meeting with large delegations headed by high-level officials. During the meeting energy research institutes from the Republic of Korea and the Russian Federation signed a Memorandum of Understanding on future cooperation. UNESCAP’s Energy Resources Section organized the meeting as part of its ongoing activities to encourage cooperation in the electric power sector in North-East Asia. v

 

Aging population, disability spur seminar on barrier-free tourism

National tourism organizations from the Greater Mekong Subregion met in Hanoi recently to learn about the economic rationale and potential return on investment for improving barrier-free tourism in the six countries. Tourism officials at UNESCAP, who organized the meeting, say the Asian tourism industry has been slow to cater to people with disabilities, including the elderly. According to experts, there are 232 million people with disabilities in Europe, North America and the Asia-Pacific region, including Thailand, China, India and Australia, and the numbers are growing. Participants recommended better accessibility and barrier-free infrastructure, the creation of custom-designed tourism services for people with disabilities, inclusion of the needs of the disabled in tourism master plans, and better legislation in the area. v

 

 

 

UNESCAP Calendar

Ø  World Press Freedom Day (3 May)

Ø  Launch of HIV/AIDS study (Bangkok, 8 May)

Ø  International Day of Families (15 May)

Ø  International Day for Biological Diversity (22 May)

Ø  World No-Tobacco Day (31 May)

Ø  World Environment Day (5 June)

For further event details, please visit UNESCAP at: www.unescap.org

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